We're back in our home!

Hi there! Sorry for the delay in writing here. I've sent a few newsletters out, which you can read at http://theauthorhour/newsletter.php. After waiting a full year, we're finally back in our home that was destroyed in a fire. What a relief! Now I have the huge task of unpacking. Arrg! Here's a photo of our new and improved kitchen. My wife is feeling spoiled with her suspended island chairs, wood floor, upgraded cabinets and granite counters. I guess some good did come out of losing our home.



Also, check out my latest interview on TeensReadToo

Jim Butcher interview, Easter scorpion, G-Tube

Jim Butcher’s interview aired on my show last week. He’s the #1 New York Times best-selling author who wrote the Dresden Files, which was adapted for TV on the Syfy (i.e. Si Fi) channel a while ago. I loved the show but it was cancelled after the first season, despite it doing very well with viewers. You can listen to Jim’s interview at http://TheAuthorHour.com/jim-butcher/

I don’t know how your Easter vacation was, but for my wife it ended badly. We were outside on the lawn when she suddenly jumped up and started hopping around yelping, "ouch, ouch, ouch!" I thought an ant had bit her, but upon closer observation I found a tiny scorpion. I was going to take a picture of it for the newsletter but someone smashed it into nothing. So the picture you see is not the one that stung her. It’s another scorpion that I killed in our garage when we first moved into our home a few years ago. It’s WAY bigger than the one that stung my wife. She felt the pain for several days. [see my newsletter for the picture]

We’ve been waiting for this moment for around three years now... Jared finally got his G-tube removed! If you asked him what it was, he'd say it's his "second belly button" or his "plastic belly button." We used that little thing to feed him. He no longer needs it! We've been so cautious for so long, it's going to take us some time to not be scared when we pick him up or hug him.

You can read more at my newsletter: http://www.paraworlds.com/newsletter/2010-04.php

The Author Hour - Speculative Fiction (Episode 15)

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=c_25ioIe628

Join Matthew Peterson on an episode of The Author Hour: Your Guide to Fantastic Fiction devoted to speculative fiction. Meet Mary Pope Osborne (former Authors Guild president and #1 New York Times bestselling author of the Magic Tree House series, which have sold over 53 million copies), Cory Doctorow (one of the top web celebrities in the world and New York Times bestselling author of Little Brother and Makers), Mindy Klasky (the bestselling and award-winning author of Glasswrights, Jane Madison, and As You Wish series), and Garth Nix (the New York Times bestselling author of Old Kingdom, The Seventh Tower, and The Keys to the Kingdom series, which have sold 5 million copies). These bestselling authors will discuss their books and the future of publishing.

• Speculative Fiction
  • Mary Pope Osborne (#1 NYT bestselling Magic Tree House series, former Authors Guild president, 53 million books sold)
  • Cory Doctorow (NYT bestselling Little Brother and Makers, Boing Boing blog, #5 Forbes top web celebs)
  • Mindy Klasky (bestselling and award-winning Glasswrights, Jane Madison, and As You Wish series)
  • Garth Nix (NYT bestselling Old Kingdom, The Seventh Tower, and Keys to the Kingdom series, 5 million sold)

Don't forget to visit http://www.theauthorhour.com/episode/15/ to catch the bonus questions that didn't air on the live show.

The Author Hour - Magic, Mystery and Zany Worlds (Episode 14)

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=KjtMazNVUV0

Join Matthew Peterson on a fun episode of The Author Hour: Your Guide to Fantastic Fiction filled with magic, mystery and zany worlds with Daniel Handler a.k.a. Lemony Snicket (international bestselling author of A Series of Unfortunate Events with over 60 million books sold), Brandon Mull (New York Times bestselling author of the Fablehaven series and Candy Shop War), Maria V. Snyder (New York Times bestselling author of Poison Study, Magic Study and Fire Study, which have received two Audible Editor's Pick Awards), and Obert Skye (author of The Leven Thumps series, which have received the Benjamin Franklin, ForeWord Magazine, and iParenting Media Awards). Come listen to what these fantasy authors have to say about fiction for kids, teens and beyond.

• Magic, Mystery and Zany Worlds
  • Daniel Handler aka Lemony Snicket (A Series of Unfortunate Events, 60+ million books sold)
  • Brandon Mull (NYT bestselling author of the Fablehaven series and Candy Shop War)
  • Maria V. Snyder (NYT bestselling author of Fire Study, Booksense Pick, Audible Editor's Pick Award)
  • Obert Skye (The Leven Thumps series, Benjamin Franklin, ForeWord Magazine & iParenting Media Award)

Visit http://TheAuthorHour.com/episode/14/ to catch bonus questions that didn't make it onto the live show.

The Author Hour - Dragons and Creatures (Episode 13)

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=cXZ1itgd7eY

Join Matthew Peterson on a dragon and creature-themed episode of The Author Hour: Your Guide to Fantastic Fiction with Dean Koontz (world renown author of over twenty #1 New York Times bestselling books, including Odd Thomas and Dean Koontz's Frankenstein, with over 400 million copies sold), Christopher Paolini (international bestselling author of Eragon, which is now a movie), R. L. Stine (the #1 children's author in the world with over 300 million books sold. Author of Goosebumps and Fear Street), and Todd McCaffrey (the New York Times bestselling author who is continuing Anne McCaffrey's popular Dragonriders of Pern series). When it comes to dragons, creatures, and just good storytelling, these authors are at the very top of their genre.

• Dragons and Creatures
  • Dean Koontz (International bestselling author with over 400 million books sold)
  • Christopher Paolini (International bestselling author of Eragon, now a movie)
  • R. L. Stine (International bestselling author of Goosebumps, 300 million books sold)
  • Todd McCaffrey (continuing Anne McCaffrey's bestselling Dragonriders of Pern series)

Visit http://TheAuthorHour.com/episode/13/ to catch bonus questions that didn't make it onto the live show.

The Author Hour - High Fantasy (Episode 12)

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=3EgSUFDSjmU

Join Matthew Peterson on an episode of The Author Hour: Your Guide to Fantastic Fiction devoted to high fantasy. Meet some of the most respected authors in the high fantasy genre such as L. E. Modesitt Jr. (bestselling author of nearly 60 novels, including The Saga of Recluce series), Carol Berg (winner of the Mythopoeic, Prism, Geffen, and Colorado Book Awards), Dennis L. McKiernan (bestselling author of the Mithgar series and the "Once Upon" faery series), and Diana Pharaoh Francis (author of the Path, Crosspointe, and Horngate Witches series). This episode is sure to be filled with discussions about elves, warriors, magic, and epic quests.

• High Fantasy
  • L. E. Modesitt Jr. (bestselling author of nearly 60 novels, including The Saga of Recluce)
  • Carol Berg (winner of the Mythopoeic, Prism, Geffen, and Colorado Book Awards)
  • Dennis L. McKiernan (bestselling Mithgar series and the "Once Upon" faery series)
  • Diana Pharaoh Francis (Path, Crosspointe, and Horngate Witches series)

The Author Hour - Military / Hard Science Fiction (Episode 11)

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=pyNiRfCNHoI

Join Matthew Peterson on a futuristic episode of The Author Hour: Your Guide to Fantastic Fiction devoted to military and hard science fiction. Meet the leaders of the science fiction field such as David Weber (New York Times bestselling author of the Honor Harrington series), David Drake (bestselling author of the Hammer's Slammers series and Lord of the Isles series), Ben Bova (author of over 120 novels, winner of 6 Hugo awards, and former president of NSS and SFWA), and Joe Haldeman (former president of SFWA, author of The Forever War, and winner of 5 Hugo awards and 5 Nebula awards). Visit http://TheAuthorHour.com/episode/11/ to catch bonus questions that didnt make it onto the live show.

• Military and Hard Science Fiction
  • David Weber (NYT bestselling Honor Harrington series)
  • David Drake (bestselling Hammer's Slammers series, Lord of the Isles series)
  • Ben Bova (over 120 novels, 6 Hugo awards, former president of NSS and SFWA)
  • Joe Haldeman (The Forever War, 5 Hugo Awards, 5 Nebula Awards, former president of SFWA)

The Author Hour - Children's Fiction (Episode 10)

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=qpzyglsQZKQ

Join Matthew Peterson on another episode of The Author Hour: Your Guide to Fantastic Fiction devoted to children's fiction. Meet Kate DiCamillo (Newbery award-winning author of Because of Winn-Dixie, The Tale of Despereaux, and The Magician's Elephant), Bruce Coville (author of nearly 100 books, including My Teacher is an Alien and The Unicorn Chronicles. Over 12 million sold), Peter Morwood and Diane Duane (NY Times bestselling authors of over 50 books, including the Young Wizards series and Star Trek), and Tony Abbott (Golden Kite award recipient with over 10 million books sold. Author of over 80 books, including The Secrets of Droon). Come listen to what these world-renown authors have to say about fantasy and science fiction for middle-grade children and young adults.

• Children's Fantasy
  • Kate DiCamillo (Newbery award-winning author of Because of Winn-Dixie, The Tale of Despereaux)
  • Bruce Coville (My Teacher is an Alien and The Unicorn Chronicles, 95+ books, over 12 million sold)
  • Diane Duane & Peter Morwood (NYT bestsellers, Young Wizards series, Star Trek, over 50 books)
  • Tony Abbott (The Secrets of Droon, Golden Kite award, 80+ books, over 10 million sold)

The Author Hour - Young Adult Fiction (Episode 9)

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=bTZONSGHwlA

Join Matthew Peterson on an episode of The Author Hour: Your Guide to Fantastic Fiction devoted to young adult fiction. Meet James A. Owen (Here There be Dragons, Starchild comics), Frank Beddor (NYT bestselling Looking Glass Wars novels, producer of There's Something About Mary), John Flanagan (Ranger's Apprentice series) and James Dashner (The 13th Reality series, The Maze Runner, Borders Original Voices pick) as they talk about the art of writing books for teenage and pre-teenage audiences.

• Young Adult Fantasy
  • James A. Owen (Here There be Dragons, Starchild comics)
  • Frank Beddor (NYT bestselling Looking Glass Wars novels, producer of There's Somthing About Mary)
  • John Flanagan (Ranger's Apprentice series)
  • James Dashner (The 13th Reality series, Borders Original Voices pick)

The Author Hour - Urban Fantasy (Episode 8)

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=tgq4Z69EPdc

Join Matthew Peterson on a supernatural/urban fantasy-themed episode of The Author Hour: Your Guide to Fantastic Fiction with Sherrilyn Kenyon (#1 New York Times bestselling author of the Dark-Hunter series with over 20 million books in print), Patricia Briggs (#1 New York Times bestselling author of the Mercy Thompson series), Kelley Armstrong (New York Times bestselling author of the Women of the Otherworld series and the Darkest Powers series), and Charles de Lint (musician and award-winning author of the Newford series). These popular urban fantasy authors will discuss their writing of supernatural creatures like witches, vampires, and werewolves.

• Urban Fantasy and Supernatural Characters
  • Sherrilyn Kenyon (AKA Kinley MacGregor, #1 NYT bestselling author, 20 million books in print)
  • Patricia Briggs (#1 NYT bestselling author of Mercedes Thompson and Alpha and Omega series)
  • Kelley Armstrong (NYT bestselling author of The Otherworld series and Darkest Powers series)
  • Charles de Lint (award-winning author of over 60 books)

Also, last week I had a "Best of" episode with the bonus questions that never aired on previous episodes. I also had a special guest, Esther Friesner.

• Nov 26 (Thanksgiving): Best of the Bonus Questions
  • A collage of favorite bonus questions that didn't air on the previous live shows
  • Esther Friesner (bestselling author, Nebula award winner, and editor)

The Author Hour - Vampires (Episode 6)

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=zMK-8xuBHEo

Join Matthew Peterson on a vampire-themed episode of The Author Hour: Your Guide to Fantastic Fiction as he interviews P. C. Cast and her daughter Kristin Cast (#1 bestselling authors of the House of Night series. P.C. has won the Prism, Holt Medallion, Daphne du Maurier, and Laurel Wreath awards), Charlaine Harris (international bestselling author of the Aurora Teagarden, Lily Bard, Harper Connelly, and Sookie Stackhouse series, which is now a popular TV series on HBO called True Blood), Laurell K. Hamilton (#1 New York Times bestselling author of the Anita Blake: Vampire Hunter series and the Meredith Gentry series, with over 7 million books in print), and L. J. Smith (#1 New York Times bestselling author of Night World, Dark Visions, and The Vampire Diaries, which is now a hit TV series on The CW).

• Vampires
  • P. C. Cast and Kristin Cast (NYT bestselling authors of the House of Night series)
  • Charlaine Harris (NYT bestselling Sookie Stackhouse series / True Blood on HBO)
  • Laurell K. Hamilton (#1 NYT bestselling author of Anita Blake: Vampire Hunter & Meredith Gentry)
  • L. J. Smith (#1 NYT bestselling Dark Visions, Night World and The Vampire Diaries, now a TV series)

The Author Hour - Fantasy & Science Fiction Classics (Episode 5)

• Nov 12: Fantasy and Science Fiction Classics
  • Anne Rice (International bestselling Vampire Chronicles and Mayfair Witches, 100 million sold)
  • Ursula K. Le Guin (The Earthsea Cycle, Newbery/National Book/World Fantasy/Nebula/Hugo awards)
  • Brian Herbert and Kevin J. Anderson (NYT bestselling Dune, X-Files, Star Wars, Superman/Batman)
  • Orson Scott Card (Bestselling Ender's Game, John W. Campbell award, multiple Hugo/Nebula winner)

Anne Rice, Ursula K. Le Guin, Kevin J. Anderson, Brian Herbert, and Orson Scott Card join Matthew Peterson on a memorable episode of The Author Hour: Your Guide to Fantastic Fiction. Meet the world-famous authors whove given us classics like Interview with the Vampire, A Wizard of Earthsea, Enders Game, and books set in the Dune, Star Wars, Batman, and Superman universes. Meet Anne Rice (one of the most-read authors in the world with around 100 million books sold), Ursula K. Le Guin (winner of the National Book Award, Nebula, Hugo, Locus, Newbery Silver Medal, etc.), Kevin J. Anderson and Brian Herbert (NY Times best-selling co-authors of over ten Dune novels), and Orson Scott Card (the only author to ever win both the Hugo and the Nebula Awards two years in a row). And dont forget to visit http://TheAuthorHour.com to catch bonus questions that didnt make it onto the live show.

The Author Hour - Quests and Adventure (Episode 4)

• Nov 5: Quests and Adventure
  • Terry Brooks (NYT bestselling Sword of Shannara, Magic Kingdom of Landover, 30+ million sold in the U.S.)
  • Tracy Hickman and Margaret Weis (NYT bestselling Dragonlance series, 22+ million sold)
  • R. A. Salvatore (NYT bestselling author of The DemonWars Saga, Forgotten Realms, 10+ million sold)
  • Brandon Sanderson (continuing Robert Jordan's Wheel of Time series which sold 50+ million copies)

Terry Brooks, Tracy Hickman, Margaret Weis, R. A. Salvatore, and Brandon Sanderson join Matthew Peterson on a quest and adventure-themed episode of The Author Hour: Your Guide to Fantastic Fiction. Meet the masters of traditional fantasy: Terry Brooks (NY Times best-selling author of The Sword of Shannara and Magic Kingdom of Landover), Tracy Hickman and Margaret Weis (NY Times best-selling authors of the Dragonlance series), R. A. Salvatore (NY Times best-selling author of The DemonWars Saga and Forgotten Realms), and Brandon Sanderson (NY Times best-selling author of the Mistborn and Alcatraz series and continuing the late Robert Jordan's Wheel of Time series). Combined, these authors have sold well over 100 million books: enough for each household in the United States to own a copy! Dont forget to visit http://TheAuthorHour.com to catch bonus questions that didnt make it onto the live show.

The Author Hour - Faeries (Episode 3)

• Oct 29: Faeries
  • Holly Black and Tony DiTerlizzi (#1 NYT bestselling Spiderwick Chronicles)
  • Melissa Marr (NYT bestselling author of Wicked Lovely, Ink Exchange, and Fragile Eternity)
  • Maggie Stiefvater (NYT Bestselling author of Shiver, Ballad, & Lament)
  • Aprilynne Pike (#1 NYT bestselling author of Wings, optioned Disney movie with Miley Cyrus)

Tony DiTerlizzi, Holly Black, Melissa Marr, Maggie Stiefvater and Aprilynne Pike join Matthew Peterson on a Faerie-themed episode of The Author Hour: Your Guide to Fantastic Fiction. Come listen to these five New York Times best-selling authors as they discuss the enchanted worlds they've created. Tony DiTerlizzi and Holly Black give insights on the final Spiderwick Chronicles novel, The Wyrm King, as well as the popular Spiderwick movie. Melissa Marr takes us deep into her dark series: Wicked Lovely, Ink Exchange and Fragile Eternity. Maggie Stiefvater shows us the beauty and dangers of Lament: The Faerie Queen's Deception and Ballad: A Gathering of Faerie, while her unique werewolf love story, Shiver, gives us the chills. Aprilynne Pike delves into her debut novel, Wings, which hit #1 on the NY Times bestseller list and was optioned by Walt Disney with Miley Cyrus tagged for the lead role. And don't forget to visit http://TheAuthorHour.com to catch bonus questions that didn't make it onto the live show.

The Author Hour - Strong Female Characters (Episode 2)

• Oct 22: Strong Female Characters / Romantic Elements
  • Diana Gabaldon (International bestselling author of the Outlander series, 15+ million sold)
  • Meg Cabot (#1 NYT bestselling Princess Diaries, Airhead, Allie Finkle's Rules, 15+ million sold)
  • Shannon Hale (NYT bestselling/Newbery Honor author of Princess Academy, ALA Teens' Top Ten)
  • Kristin Cashore (NYT bestselling Graceling, Publishers Weekly and SLJ Best Book of the Year)

Diana Gabaldon, Meg Cabot, Shannon Hale and Kristin Cashore join Matthew Peterson on a strong female-driven episode of The Author Hour: Your Guide to Fantastic Fiction. International best-selling authors Diana Gabaldon (Outlander series, Rita Award for Best Novel from the Romance Writers of America) and Meg Cabot (Princess Diaries, Airhead, Allie Finkle's Rules for Girls) have each sold over 15 million books. New York Times best-selling author Shannon Hale (Princess Academy, Bayern series) received the Newbery Honor and Josette Frank Award, plus her book hit the American Library Association's Top Ten Books for Young Adults list. Kristin Cashore's novel Graceling is a Publishers Weekly, School Library Journal and Amazon Best Book of the Year, plus it received the Mythopoeic Fantasy Award and the SIBA Book Award. Come listen to these wonderful authors on The Author Hour. And don't forget to visit http://TheAuthorHour.com to catch bonus questions that didn't make it onto the live show.

The Author Hour - Satire, Puns and Humor (Episode 1)

• Oct 15: Satire, Puns, and Humor
  • Terry Pratchett (International bestselling author of the Discworld series, 65 million sold)
  • Eoin Colfer (NYT bestselling author of Artemis Fowl, continuing The Hitchhikers Guide to the Galaxy)
  • Jody Lynn Nye (continuing Robert Asprin's Myth-Adventures series)
  • Piers Anthony (NYT bestselling author of the Xanth series)

Terry Pratchett, Eoin Colfer, Jody Lynn Nye and Piers Anthony join Matthew Peterson on a fun-filled episode of The Author Hour: Your Guide to Fantastic Fiction. Meet some of the funniest authors of our time, including Terry Pratchett (international bestselling author of the Discworld series with over 65 million books sold), Eoin Colfer (NY Times bestselling author of the Artemis Fowl series as well as the highly anticipated conclusion to Douglas Adams' The Hitchhikers Guide to the Galaxy entitled And Another Thing), Jody Lynn Nye (continuing Robert Asprin's Myth-Adventures series and co-author of several novels with Anne McCaffrey), and Piers Anthony (NY Times bestselling author of the Xanth series). Millions of fans have enjoyed the satire, puns, and laugh-out-loud humor from their books. Now come and hear what these authors have to say on The Author Hour. And dont forget to visit http://TheAuthorHour.com to catch bonus questions that didnt make it onto the live show.

Interviews with top Fantasy / Science Fiction Authors

My new radio show launched on October 15th, 2009 and includes the top fiction authors of our day, including Terry Pratchett, Meg Cabot, Terry Brooks, Diana Gabaldon, Anne Rice, Ursula K. Le Guin, Orson Scott Card, Eoin Colfer, Charlaine Harris, Kate DiCamillo, and dozens more! Catch the free online show at http://TheAuthorHour.com (every episode is archived and transcribed for your convenience). Tell your friends, family, and even your dog about it!

My TV Interview with PBS

I just got back from doing a TV interview with PBS (KUAT) Arizona Illustrated. Watch it at
http://tv.azpm.org/kuat/segments/2009/8/24/kuat-matthew-peterson-author/

One Month After the Fire

I’m entitling this picture, "One Month After the Fire." Sad thing is that this is only three weeks growth for my beard. I know what you’re thinking. My poor wife! Well, she had a cold sore, so our marriage is still intact. I hate shaving. I’m the type of guy who gets his 5 o’clock shadow before lunch.



Here's me shaving off that beard like a real man! I don’t suggest using a sharp knife like this to shave off a beard. My boys call that knife "the machete." They’re afraid to even touch it, and for good reason. After trying and trying to shave off my beard, my wife finally buzzed it off with an electric razor for cutting hair. Good riddance!

FiestaCon Photos

FiestaCon Photos
With my house catching on fire, I forgot to post anything about the FiestaCon that I was attending that same weekend. Here are some photos I took with some of the authors.


Matt Peterson and Eric Flint


Diana Gabaldon, Aprilynne Pike, Matt Peterson


Janni Lee Simner and Matthew Peterson

As a side note.... I'm not sure if there's much more that could happen to this boy of ours! But he just got glasses. Our friends say he looks "distinguished." He's had surgery on both eyes in the past, but we always thought his vision was fine. I guess not. Now I joke that when he puts his glasses on, half of his family disappears. When he used to have two sets of twin brothers, now he only has one set. His whole life has been turned upside down!